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The New Hampshire Gazette
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
Extract of a letter from Barbados dated July 16, 1759, criticizes Commodore Moore's ineffective command, allowing French ships to escape with sugar cargoes and privateers to capture nearly 200 vessels, severely disrupting British trade more than during the rest of the war.
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Extract of a Letter from Barbados, July 16, 1759.
"Our Commodore granted us but one Convoy this Year, not being able to spare any Ships from the Service before Mr. Moore went out of these Seas, who has done for some Months past what he pleased with 7 Ships of the Line and 4 Frigates, tho' we had 17 of the Line and Frigates in Number to make up 30 Pendents under his Command; but whether Bashfulness, or what, we know not, prevented his destroying the French Fleet: Now they are all sailed either for St. Domingo or France, loaded with Sugars.--It's to be hoped when he is called Home, he'll be able to give a better Account of himself than any of us think he can.
Our Trade has suffered more since the Attack has been made against Guadaloupe than it has done during the War. They have carried into Martinico near 200 Sail of Vessels, and they have 70 Sail of Privateers out there, that nothing can pass the Seas for them, and not one of our Men of War Cruizing to retake any Thing.
We never had a worse Commander out this Way, and no Man ever had a finer Opportunity of gaining Honour."
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Where did it happen?
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Barbados
Event Date
July 16, 1759
Key Persons
Outcome
french fleet escaped to st. domingo or france loaded with sugars; nearly 200 british vessels captured into martinico by french privateers; severe disruption to trade with no british warships cruising to retake prizes.
Event Details
Letter complains of limited convoy protection due to commitments before Commodore Moore's departure; Moore failed to destroy French fleet despite superior forces; 70 French privateers active, capturing vessels since attack on Guadaloupe; criticizes Moore as worst commander with best opportunity for honor.